The team has submitted a two-car entry document to the FIA – in accordance with its requirements – nominating reserve driver Alexander Rossi (pictured performing a track walk around the Sochi Autodrom with the team’s engineers yesterday) alongside regular driver Max Chilton, but the team is yet to officially determine if it will field Rossi. A final call is not expected until this morning.

It is understood that the team has made contact with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone to ensure it would face any repercussions by fielding just one car, or – worst case – withdrawing from the event entirely. Teams that fail to field two entries at each Grand Prix can face significant financial penalties, or even the disqualification of their racing license.

The wishes of Bianchi’s family, who are being supported in Japan by team boss John Booth, are pivotal to the team’s eventual decision.